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Summary

For some years, the Everquest world was strictly an RPG for the PC platform, though its content was something more akin to a console offering. Much of the game and its expansions were action-based and easily accessible, so it only seems fair that the game is brought to PlayStation 2, courtesy of Sony. The games plot however, is as hardcore as any other RPG - PC-based or otherwise - and is reminiscent of an 80's fantasy film.

EverQuest Online Adventures takes place during the Age of Adventure - a time set approximately five centuries before the PC original. Return to a time in Norraths past, when the city of Freeport was a new coalition of merchants and the elves have yet to abandon their ancient homeland. To the west, Antonius Bayle has recently been crowned ruler of Qeynos, and in the eastern lands, the once great Eldarr Forest has all but disappeared. To the far north, many of the nomadic barbarian tribes have put aside their differences and have banded together for survival. The city of Halas stands as a new concept to these proud warriors, opening communication and trade with other races for the first time in barbarian history. Fortunately, the barbarians have found strong support in their endeavours, especially from the dwarf mining city of Moradhim. And in the South, the swamplands provide a perfect home for the trolls of Grobb.

Players unfamiliar with the Everquest world will have to spend a few hours there before they understand the intricacies of Norrath and its mythical races. But its how most massively-multiplayer RPGs present themselves. Each race has its own problems, skills and objectives, and players are given the choice to choose which race to explore with. Depending on your chosen class, there are a number of spells and abilities to master, many of which are unique to that particular race.

Once ready, you can embark on your adventure as a novice player in a truly massive game world, with as many as 8,000 other players. The Everquest servers can now accommodate hundreds of thousands of players, so the virtual world of Norrath will never be empty. Youll also be able to meet and play together with other gamers from around the world as you strive to perfect your playing skills and strengthen your character.

Everquests play mechanic is also very accessible, helping new players to learn the basics of the game with ease. Progress in Everquest is largely made by tackling a selection of quests. There are literally thousands to complete, and many offer incentives. The bigger the incentive, the more challenging the mission. Thats really all there is to it, but its awfully addictive, and one of the first of its kind for PlayStation 2. With Final Fantasy XI trailing a year behind, Everquest Online Adventures is a boost for fans of the genre.